Today we’d like to introduce you to Hoon Lee.
Hi Hoon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career in data systems and supply chain management.
After earning my degree in Statistics from Korea University, I spent over a decade analyzing business operations and managing various systems. It was a career built on structure and precision, focused on optimizing technical processes.
However, over time, I came to a realization: what truly mattered to me wasn’t managing abstract systems, but genuinely caring for people and helping them heal their own complex, living systems. That insight led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and I am now continuing my doctoral studies in the same field.
Today, I run CALee Acupuncture in Fullerton. I believe my analytical background humbly contributes to a more systematic understanding of the principles behind traditional Oriental medicine. It allows me to approach each treatment with clarity and depth, harmonizing ancient tradition with modern insight — just as I once sought harmony in the data systems I managed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the road hasn’t been entirely smooth — but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful.
Switching careers in my 40s was not an easy decision. Leaving behind a stable path in data systems and starting over in a completely different field required humility, patience, and a willingness to learn from the ground up again. There were moments of doubt — about whether I was making the right choice, or whether I could keep up with younger students and new knowledge.
Financially and emotionally, it was a reset. I had to study, intern, and rebuild my career from scratch while supporting my family. Even after becoming licensed, starting my own practice brought new challenges — building trust, attracting patients, and growing visibility in a competitive environment.
But every struggle taught me something valuable. It deepened my empathy and helped me understand what many of my patients go through — especially those who feel uncertain, anxious, or in pain. And that, I believe, has made me not only a better practitioner but also a better listener.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CALee Acupuncture?
At CALee Acupuncture, I focus on understanding the root causes of discomfort — not just treating surface-level symptoms. My clinical interest lies in supporting patients with chronic pain, neurological issues, and internal imbalance, particularly cases that haven’t responded well to conventional approaches.
What sets my practice apart is a blend of traditional Oriental philosophy with modern systems thinking. Having worked for years in data analysis, I’m naturally drawn to patterns — not just in numbers, but in how the body expresses imbalance. This helps me approach each case with a combination of logical clarity and holistic depth.
I’m also deeply committed to education and transparency. Through my blog, Grandpa’s Tales, I share insights on topics like the I Ching, Five Elements, and how classical principles relate to everyday health. It’s a way to bridge traditional wisdom with modern curiosity — and to help patients see acupuncture as more than just needles, but as a way of rebalancing life.
What I’m most proud of is when patients tell me they finally feel ‘heard.’ That, to me, is the starting point of real healing. I believe acupuncture isn’t just a treatment — it’s a conversation between the body and the practitioner. And I’m simply honored to be a part of that dialogue.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue deepening the clinical focus at CALee Acupuncture while expanding how we connect with the community — not just through treatment, but through knowledge.
One area I’m currently working on is developing patient-friendly educational materials that bridge Oriental medicine with modern understanding. Whether it’s through blog series like Grandpa’s Tales or simplified infographics and video content, I hope to make the wisdom of acupuncture more accessible, especially for those new to it.
Clinically, I plan to further specialize in chronic neurological conditions — areas that often fall through the cracks of conventional care. I’m also committed to ongoing study through my doctoral program, and eventually, I’d love to create a small mentorship platform for younger practitioners who value both tradition and analytical thinking.
No dramatic changes — but steady, thoughtful growth. In a field that prizes balance, I believe our clinic should grow the same way: organically, with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caleeacu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleeacu.com_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/CALee-Acupuncture/61575078947450/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/calee-acupuncture-fullerton?osq=CALee%20Acupuncture
- Other: https://blog.caleeacu.com/
Image Credits
Hoon Lee
